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Fuel shortage cuts power generation

LAHORE: The electricity shortfall jumped to 6,450MW as a low supply of fuel and gas to power plants led to reduction in power generation by 2,400MW, further aggravating the crisis in the country.

According to a spokesman for National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited (NTDCL), electricity demand touched the figure of 17,500MW during the last 24 hours whereas the power shortfall was recorded at a whopping 6,450MW.

Due to less fuel and gas supply to power plants, generation further reduced to 1,200 MW, he added.The spokesman said that Pakistan State Oil (PSO) was providing 6,000 ton to Hub Power Company against a demand of 7,200 ton whereas Kot Adu Power Company (KAPCO) was receiving 2,500 ton instead of 5,600 ton fuel.

Furthermore, Muzaffargarh power plants are being provided with 2,000 ton against a demand of 4,000 ton.Dilating upon the gas supply to power plants, the NTDCL spokesman said a promise was made by gas authorities that 207 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) gas would be provided whereas only 63 MMCFD gas was being provided to power plants. Resultantly, the system faced another electricity shortfall of 1,200MW.

The spokesman feared that the electricity shortfall could increase if oil and gas short supply persisted.Elaborating the power situation of the last 24 hours, the spokesman said the electricity shortfall was recorded at 6,450MW. Hydel generation remained at 4,575MW, thermal power generation at 1,152MW whereas IPPs produced 5,607mw while 690mw electricity was supplied to KESC.